During Leaders' Questions on 19 October, I questioned the Taoiseach on his commitment to deliver 24-7 cardiac care in the south-east region. He informed me then that recruitment was taking place to expand hours, that money was being provided, that service expansion was happening and that the service could build towards operating on a 24-7 basis. Further to responses to parliamentary questions on these issues, I can now confirm that no recruitment of cardiac technical personnel has taken place since 2018, no funding for cardiac expansion has occurred, and no increased nursing or radiography positions have been approved. In fact, the medical accreditations being requested for a new cardiology post are similar to asking a ministerial driver to provide Formula One racing experience, further designed to frustrate recruitment. I believe the Taoiseach's promises to the people of the south east to deliver a 24-7 service are being deliberately frustrated. What does he plan to do about it? I invite him to correct the record of the Dáil which he inadvertently misled.

On 19 October, we discussed the cardiac programme in Waterford. I received information from the Department of Health and the HSE which I relayed to the Deputy on that occasion. The funding has been provided. The policy decisions have been taken. I will check on what the Deputy has said today and will come back to him on it. The policy decision has been taken in respect of the expansion of the service and recruitment.

The last recruitment was in 2018.

I am just telling the Deputy what the case is. More than 4,500 people have been recruited this year alone and 6,000 in the previous year

Not for this service.

I will check that. They should be.

The Taoiseach does not need to check it.

I have said we will go back to the-----